Merced River (V17)
This 112-mile river is popular among boaters, anglers, campers, hikers, and photo-snapping tourists alike.
Plan Around Merced River (V17)
A good stop is not just something to read about. Once it belongs on the day, move into a saved trip and build the route around it.
Use this detail page to confirm that the stop is worth it, then carry that decision into a trip draft while the park context is still fresh.
Merced River (V17) Details
This river is largely fed by melting mountain snow in the High Sierra. Meandering through granite canyons before dropping over Vernal and Nevada Falls and reaching Yosemite Valley's shady pine forests, the river provides the valley and its surrounding areas with a rich ecosystem. The river is home to some of the Park's less famous habitants, including the Chinook salmon, Sacramento sucker, the Great Blue Heron, and the Western Scrub Jay. The present name is much less shorter than the original - El Rio de Nuestra Señora de la Merced (The River of Our Lady of Mercy). Roadside marker: V17
Difficulty
Low
Distance
N/A
Estimated time
Region
Yosemite Valley
Nearby Parks Around Merced River (V17)
Compare nearby parks around Merced River (V17) when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Merced River (V17)
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Merced River (V17) while the map context is still fresh.
0.1 mi away
Yosemite Falls View (V19)
One of the best spots to view the Yosemite Falls.
0.2 mi away
Yosemite Chapel
The oldest building still in use in the Valley and a fine example of the chapels of its time.
0.2 mi away
Yosemite Valley Chapel
The building was designed by Charles Geddes, an accomplished architect from San Francisco. It was built in 1879 and is designed in the New England style. It seats 250 people and is located in the heart of Yosemite Valley, within Yosemite National Park. You can get married at Yosemite Chapel -- or just drop in for a quick look around or enjoy a few moments of silent contemplation. Sunday services are held at 9:15 in the morning year-round, plus 11 a.m. during the summer. Originally located about a mile away near the base of the Four Mile trail, the chapel was moved to its current location in 1901.
0.2 mi away
Old Village (V20)
This section of the Yosemite Valley was once the center of all visitor services.
0.3 mi away
Swinging Bridge
Stop here and take a swim in the Merced River while enjoying the excellent view of Yosemite Falls.
